A one-stop tutorial for overseas users: How to purchase products from Taobao, 1688, Pinduoduo, and other Chinese platforms, solving issues like payment failure, address filling, shipping restricted items, shipping costs, and delivery time, with a FAQ section included.
Want to buy items from Chinese e-commerce platforms and ship them overseas, but always get stuck on "not knowing how to order, payment failing, or worrying about customs clearance"? This article explains in a practical way: from product selection to delivery, how to handle each step more reliably.
1) First, Decide: Direct Shipping or "Buying Agent + Forwarding"
If the seller supports direct shipping overseas, the process is simplest; but many products do not support overseas addresses, or shipping costs are not transparent.
In such cases, the "Buying Agent + Forwarding" model is more recommended:
- Buying Agent: Places the order and makes the payment on your behalf, can assist with product inspection.
- Forwarding: Consolidates packages before shipping them to your country.
Advantages: More product options, more flexible logistics solutions, and more controllable costs.
2) Check Shipability First, Then Price
A common mistake for overseas users is focusing only on the product price without checking if it can be shipped.
Before placing an order, please confirm:
- Does it contain batteries/liquids/powders/sprays? (Affects shipping channel)
- Does it involve brand authorization or invoice requirements? (Affects customs clearance)
- Dimensions and weight (Volumetric weight can significantly impact shipping costs)
It is recommended to first send the "product link + quantity + destination country" to customer service for a shipability assessment.
3) Ordering & Payment: What to Do Without Chinese Payment Methods?
Frequent issues for overseas users include:
- Alipay/WeChat Pay restrictions
- International credit card failures at some stores
- Order cancellations due to platform risk controls
Using a buying agent service can complete the payment and ordering for you, retain order proof, and reduce the risk of payment failure and platform risk controls.
4) Warehouse Inspection: Reduce Mismatched Deliveries
It is recommended to perform a basic inspection at the warehouse:
- Is the quantity correct?
- Is the appearance damaged?
- Do the color/size/model match?
If there are issues, returns or exchanges can be handled before international shipping, avoiding significant losses later.
5) Packing & Shipping: How to Save on Shipping Costs
International shipping costs are generally composed of "Chargeable Weight (greater of actual weight or volumetric weight) + Shipping Route Surcharges".
Tips to save on shipping:
- Consolidate multiple items into one box to reduce repeated packaging volume.
- Choose the appropriate shipping route (Express/Economy/Special Line).
- Pre-separate restricted items to avoid the entire shipment being restricted.
When time is not critical, Economy Line usually offers better value; for urgent items, choose Express Line.
6) Customs Clearance & Taxes: Prepare in Advance to Avoid Pitfalls
Different countries have vastly different rules for declared value, product categories, and taxes.
Recommendations:
- Declare truthfully; do not under-declare high-risk categories.
- Keep purchase receipts and tracking numbers.
- Confirm documentation requirements in advance for high-value or branded goods.
Preparing in advance can significantly reduce "customs holds" and tax dispute issues.
FAQ
Q1: Can you buy from Taobao, 1688, Pinduoduo on my behalf?
Yes, mainstream Chinese e-commerce platforms can all be purchased from via an agent.
Q2: How long does delivery to an overseas address usually take?
It typically consists of "Domestic Sourcing + Warehouse Inspection + International Shipping + Customs Clearance & Local Delivery", generally within a 7–20 day range, depending on the country and shipping route.
Q3: Which products are easily restricted?
Items containing batteries, liquids, powders, sprays, and specific brand categories. It is recommended to get a shipability assessment first.
Q4: How is shipping cost calculated most accurately?
Based on the chargeable weight re-weighed at the warehouse. Lightweight, bulky items are usually charged by volumetric weight.
Conclusion
Buying Chinese products from overseas is not difficult. The key is getting four things right: "Shipability, Payment Stability, Logistics Matching, and Customs Preparation." If you have a product link, we can first provide you with a "Shipability + Shipping Cost + Delivery Time" estimate before you decide to place an order.